How to Learn Scrum
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Scrum is a versatile platform used to manage team-oriented projects. Scrum is most commonly used for software development but can also apply to project management needs. The Agile platform is most commonly used to put Scrum methodologies into action, so many coding bootcamps and training programs teach students to use Agile and Scrum together.
Among companies that have adopted the Agile approach, 66% favored Scrum as their most popular team management tool in 2021. Discover how to learn Scrum below.
Coding Bootcamps
One of the most common ways to learn Scrum is through a coding bootcamp, which offers concentrated career training for aspiring technology professionals. Students often choose bootcamps over bachelor's degrees to enjoy faster completion times and low tuition rates. Bootcamps also tend to feature full-time, part-time, or self-paced enrollment with remote and in-person learning options.
Find the Right Coding Bootcamp For You
Online Courses
Through an online course, students can learn Scrum at their own pace and for a low price. Some online courses are even free. Open courseware sites and tech providers offer a variety of online courses as alternatives to coding bootcamps. Students typically choose from flexible synchronous (live) or asynchronous (pre-recorded) course content.
Some online courses lead to certification, such as professional Scrum master (PSM).
The following are among the most popular online Scrum courses and resources.
- Scrum Certification 2022 + Scrum Master + Agile Scrum Training: Udemy offers this Scrum and Agile overview course, designed to lead to PSM certification. There are no prerequisites. The course consists of more than 70 on-demand video lectures, spanning three hours and 12 minutes. The course costs $110.
- Professional Scrum Training: Scrum.org offers multiple courses to prepare students for professional Scrum certification, using various applications of Scrum and Agile. Course options include professional Scrum master, professional Scrum product owner, and professional Agile leadership essentials. Completion times, locations, and costs vary by course.
- Introduction to Agile Development and Scrum: IBM offers its course through Coursera, ideal for beginner-level software developers and IT professionals. The curriculum explores the five key practices of Agile and core Scrum functions. Students can complete the online course in approximately 10 hours of self-paced study. Enrollment is free. Graduates receive a certificate of completion.
- Agile and Scrum Fundamentals: IBM offers this course through edX, tailored to aspiring Agile users in existing IT occupations. The curriculum covers the functions of a Scrum team, collaborative project management, and the mechanics of Agile, GitHub, and ZenHub. Students can complete the online course in roughly three weeks of self-paced study. Learners can gain limited access to the course for free or pay $99 for unlimited access.
- Approved Scrum Certification Courses: Scrum Alliance offers multiple courses to prepare students for certification in each of its industry specializations. Students can take courses to pursue credentials like certified Scrum master, certified Scrum product owner, or certified Scrum professional. Scrum Alliance offers multiple start dates, payment plans, and a choice of live or self-paced instruction.
Online Courses vs. Bootcamps
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Coding Bootcamps to Learn Scrum
BrainStation
- Location: Remote, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle
- Program Cost: $15,000
- Learning Format: In Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Part Time
BrainStation offers a part-time Agile Course that provides graduates with a certificate upon completion. The curriculum focuses on Agile and Scrum fundamentals, including the most commonly used Agile methodologies like Kanban. Students engage in sprints and practice managing teams while working through projects. Learners can take this course online or at one of BrainStation’s campuses.
Graduates have gotten jobs with more than 6,500 high-profile hiring partners like Twitter, Amazon, and IBM. Students can also explore Agile and its applications in module four of BrainStation's web development bootcamp.
General Assembly
- Locations: Remote, Charlotte
- Program Cost: $3,950
- Learning Format: In Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Part Time
General Assembly operates in a variety of locations, but its Charlotte site offers an Agile and Scrum bootcamp for beginners who want to enter the business side of the tech industry. Students practice running sprints, use Agile in game and project simulations, and learn about the importance of Scrum in web development and other disciplines. There are no prerequisites for this workshop. The course is also available online.
General Assembly offers immersive bootcamps in software engineering, front-end web development, UX design, data science, product management, and data analytics. Its campuses and online communities are located around the world.
Kenzie Academy
- Locations: Remote
- Program Cost: $16,000
- Learning Format: Online
- Time Commitment: Self-Paced
Kenzie Academy provides a software engineering certificate focused on back-end Java and business principles, like Scrum. Students explore the life cycle of software development, basic logic implementation, and creating user input-based web applications. The bootcamp runs for up to 12 months and offers multiple start dates with flexible enrollment options.
Kenzie Academy partners with Southern New Hampshire University, allowing students to apply credits toward a degree after earning a bootcamp certificate. Students also receive career services and assistance from an employer engagement team after bootcamp completion.
Scrum Jobs
Scrum Master
Scrum masters are leaders within Scrum teams. These professionals work with their team members to ensure they follow the necessary Scrum and Agile protocols. Daily duties include assigning and managing responsibilities among team members, communicating with stakeholders, and recording meeting minutes. Scrum masters may hold CSM certification.
Average Annual Salary(April 2022): $90,170
Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
CSMs perform the same routine duties as scrum masters but with professional credentials awarded through Scrum Alliance. The minimum requirements for CSM certification qualify candidates for positions that call for professional credentials. Students must complete CSM training and pass an exam to become certified.
Average Annual Salary(April 2022): $93,750
Scrum Coach
A Scrum coach can help team members increase the productivity of their organization by optimizing Scrum features. Coaches provide guidance and support for professionals using Scrum and the Agile framework. These professionals commonly earn CSM certification or other credentials through Scrum Alliance. They are especially adept at problem-solving and project management.
Average Annual Salary(April 2022): $119,310
What Are the Benefits of a Scrum Certification?
A variety of professional certifications exist to highlight Scrum management skills. Scrum Alliance offers credentials for all members of a Scrum team, including developers, product owners, and Scrum masters.
CSM is the most popular certification, with advanced certified Scrum master and Scrum professional options. Business-oriented Scrum professionals may opt for product-owner certifications. Scrum developer certifications emphasize Pinnacle skills and collaborative product development techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions About Learning Scrum
Is Scrum easy to learn?
Yes, especially through a coding bootcamp or beginner-level program. Some experts claim Scrum is "easy to learn, but hard to master."
The best coding bootcamps prepare learners for Scrum jobs through a combination of technical skills in Scrum and Agile, soft skills in IT project management and teamwork, and certification preparation. A variety of programs teach deep organization, network management, and adaptive programming languages for beginners.
Where can I learn Scrum for free?
Open courseware offers a variety of free Scrum courses online. Students can browse through online course providers like edX, Coursera, and Udemy for Scrum courses, often taught by experienced industry professionals or professors.
In some cases, course providers allow students to register for free but require payment to earn a certificate of completion for the course. Others may offer a free option and perks for paying students, such as unlimited, lifetime access to course content and/or career services.
What is the best way to learn Scrum?
Coding bootcamps and online courses can lead to Scrum jobs. Students are able to learn Scrum from anywhere with an internet connection and without interrupting their extracurricular responsibilities.
Scrum bootcamps teach students the technical programming and management/leadership skills they need to use Scrum and Agile applications in professional settings. Bootcamps and online courses typically do not require prior experience in Scrum, making these learning platforms ideal for beginners and professionals looking to switch careers from other tech specializations.
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